Xena''s POV
"Werewolves having territorial instincts ispletely normal. We''re naturally possessive about our territory. I''d be more concerned if she wasn''t showing any jealousy at all," Benedict interjected, leaning forward in his chair.
I nodded in agreement, turning my attention to William. "William just needs to make you feel included. Like when he''s talking with other pack members, pull you into the conversation or ask for your opinion."
William seemed to consider this, his eyes darting briefly to Ama who was watching him with a small smile ying on her lips.
"You could also be a bit more jealous," Ryder joked, nudging Williard with his elbow.
"In your dreams," I rolled my eyes, having already finished my food. The room filled withughter at my reaction, and we all leaned back in our chairs, rxed.
Logan nced at his watch, his expression bing more serious. "Ready to go get your things? I''ve got stuff to do today."
“What stuff? It''s your birthday too," I said, raising an eyebrow
at
my win.
"Yeah, but I''m a man and the future Alpha. I don''t get to enjoy a day off and be pampered like you do," he replied with a hint of sarcasm, though there was no real resentment in his voice.
"Sometimes it''s good to be a girl," Ama whispered, holding out her fist. I bumped it with mine, sharing a conspiratorial smile with
her.
“Let''s go,” Ryder said, standing up. Following his lead, we walked toward the parking lot.
"Should I prepare the truck?" Ryder asked, fishing his keys from his pocket. "No need. I don''t have that much stuff," I replied, mentally cataloging the few belongings I wanted to bring with me to my new life.
Ryder''s lips curved into a smug smile as he unlocked a cherry-red Corvette convertible. "Let''s take the convertible."
"Awesome!" I jumped into the passenger seat, ready to enjoy the moment. Ryder started the engine, and I positioned myself against the seat back. He mmed on the gas, taking the lead as we pulled out. The feeling of the wind rushing through my hair was exhrating, freeing in a way I hadn''t felt in a long time. By the time we reached our destination, my hair was a wild, tangled mess.
"That looks like a bird''s nest!" Logan teased as he pulled up beside us.
"Yeah, I''ll fix itter," I attempted to check my hair in the side mirror, but it seemed beyond salvation at this point
My heart filled with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. Although it had been less than a week, returning to what had once been my home felt strange-both familiar and foreign at the same time.
As we entered the house, Ryder''s posture became noticeably tense. He kept his arm firmly around my waist until we climbed the stairs. Only when we entered my room did he finally rx.
"So what do you want to take?" Logan asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"My sketchbooks, my jewelry box." I removed two photos from the wall, clutching them tightly. One showed my mother holding me as a baby before she passed away, the other was of Dad, Logan, and me at the park. Dad was hugging us tight, all three of us wearing bright smiles.
I ced the photos on the coffee table and walked into the bathroom, partly to fix my half and partly y to gather my toiletries Thankfully, I had a bagrge enough to fit everything.
A wave of mncholy washed over me. These photos were my only connection to the past, especially the one with my mother-I had almost no memories of her, just that loving smile in the photograph reminding me that she had once existed,
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," I called out.
The door opened slowly, and Penelope walked in, her gazending directly on Logan. They almost simultaneously whispered "mate," and then Penelope dropped everything she was holding and flung herself into Logan''s arms.
Ryder smiled, but when he saw my expression, he moved to my side What''s wrong?" he asked through our mind link.
"People usually find mates within their rank or close to it," I responded silently.
"Yeah?"
"Penelope was an orphan when I hired her." Ryder finally understood my meaning as we watched them passionately embrace.
My heart filled withplicated emotions. On one hand, I was genuinely happy that Logan had found his soulmate; on the other hand, as a member of the family,
I couldn''t help but consider the political implications of such a union. A girl matching Ryder''s status couldn''t possibly be an orphan without a story behind it. Finally, they broke apart. Tears glistened in Penelope''s eyes. "Xena?"
I snapped back to the present, smiling as I walked over to give her a hug. “I''m so happy for you both! You''ll make an amazing Luna!"
"Thank you. I never thought this would happen," Penelope smiled at Logan, her face radiant with joy.
"Could you show Ryder that issue you mentioned earlier? I need to ask Logan which photos he wants, and which ones I''m taking," I said, creating an excuse for privacy.
"Of course!" Penelope and Ryder walked toward the door, while Logan followed me into the empty closet.
"X?” Logan asked, well aware that I pulled him aside when I wanted to discuss something serious.
"First of all, I''m truly happy for you. Penelope really will make an excellent Luna,” I began, choosing my words carefully.
"But..." Logan prompted, knowing me too well.
"You need to find out about her background. When I hired her, she was an orphan. People usually find mates within their own rank, Logan. What kind of pack would abandon a high-ranking werewolf''s daughter?"
"Are you saying I shouldn''t mate with her?" Logan''s voice hardened slightly, his protective instincts ring.
"Quite the opposite. You need to mark her as soon as possible. Before tonight. That way we can protect her fully. She should be treated like a queen."
"Maybe you''re right; Logan conceded, his expression thoughtful.
"I can''t imagine anyone more suited to be your mate. You two will make an incredible pair. If you bond with her before anyone discovers, they can''t do anything about it. They can''t take her away from you."